CSF xanthochromia

 

Alternative names, keywords

CSF bilirubin, CSF scan, CSF spectrophotometry

Samples required

At least 1 mL CSF in plain Universal container, and

Clotted blood (gold cap, 5 mL tube) taken at the same time, for serum bilirubin and total protein.

Wherever possible, the CSF sample must be collected at least 12h post event.

  • DO NOT put the CSF in Vacuette® tube.
  • Protect from light (wrap in foil or place sample in a thick brown envelope outside the usual plastic specimen bag. Failure to do this may lead to sample degradation and false-negative results.).
  • Avoid using air tube delivery system.
  • Samples must be delivered to Clinical Biochemistry immediately.

Click here for full details of CSF collection. It is important to use the last sample as it is the least likely to be contaminated with blood from a traumatic tap, which greatly impairs the diagnostic sensitivity of the test.

Request form should include:
    -  Clinical indication for request
    -  Result of CT scan
    -  Time of onset of symptoms/event
    -  Time of lumbar puncture
    -  If the differential diagnosis includes meningitis.

Recommendations from the revised National Guidelines for Analysis of Cerebrospinal Fluid for Bilirubin in Suspected Subarachnoid Haemorrhage 2008.

Test indications

Spectrophotometric scan to detect and discriminate traces of haemoglobin and/or bilirubin in cases of suspected subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Reference range

Interpretive report

Turnaround time

Within 2 hours

Enquiries

Biochemistry (RSCH Special Chemistry/ PRH Automation)

 

Details